Biochemical and clinicopathological changes induced by Bungarus coeruleus venom in a rat model

Bungarus coeruleus, a common venomous snake allied to the cobra, is responsible for most envenomations in India. This study examines the pathological effects of B. caeruleus venom and the associated biochemical changes in a rat model. Increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (48%), creatine kinase (30%), and lactate dehydrogenase (6%) were detected after a sublethal dose of 25 microg/kg of B. caeruleus venom was injected intramuscularly into rats observed for 180 min. The venom induced hyperglycemia and increased serum alkaline phosphatase (55%) and urea (90%) concentrations, whereas cholesterol and triglycerides remained normal. Histopathological changes in the heart-hemorrhage, multifocal areas of myocardial fiber necrosis-and constriction of blood vessels in the kidney, with congested vessels, hemorrhage and necrosis of proximal tubules, liver congestion, and hemorrhage were found.